First place – Starling Murmuration at Willen Lake by Ann Strutton

Want to save the starling? Keep your lawn

Source: Want to save the starling? Keep your lawn | Kate Bradbury | Life and style | The Guardian

Amy-Jayne Dutton, from Stoke-on-Trent, has recently uprooted from her home comforts to move to the remote island of St Helena, a UK Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic… to take a rather unusual step in her career! She has taken up the role as Spiky Yellow Woodlouse Project Manager with the St Helena National Trust. Here Amy enlightens us with her adventures so far, and informs us of the challenges facing the future of the unique spiky yellow woodlouse, locally known as ‘Spiky’, on the magical island of St Helena:

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Have you ever wondered what it is like to work on one of the rarest Woodlice | Buglife

A conservationist who has been following migrating Bewick’s swans from Russia to the UK crosses the English Channel on her powered paraglider.

Source: ‘Human swan’ Sacha Dench crosses the English Channel – BBC News

Research sheds new light on the structure of mole rat society.

Source: New study reveals that mole rats can multitask | Discover Wildlife

Once extinct in the UK, the bittern is experiencing a comeback.

Source: Bittern baby boom | Discover Wildlife

Work Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 4 December 2016 10:00-13:00hrs.

Willing hands will be made welcome today.

There are lots of jobs around the reserve in the winter.

Cutting back overgrowth, trimming hedges, clearing paths.

Refreshments available.

There will be an Open Sunday and Christmas Crafts Event at Linford Lakes NR on 11 December 2016 10:00- 16:00hrs.

Christmas Crafts Event.
Suitable for people of all ages,
Full tuition and all materials included in cost.
Traditional Christmas Decorations,
Using natural materials.
Morning session starts at 11:00am
and the afternoon session at 13:30hrs.
Christmas Craft Sessions cost £5.00.
Book your place by emailing
gjgevents@gmail.com

On Open Sunday’s there is access to hides and centre.
Hot and cold drinks, home-made cakes.
Second hand book sales, Christmas gifts and bird food on sale.
Come and see our winter visitors.
There will be a walk around the new path leaving the centre at 13:00hrs.
Please bring your friends and family, all welcome.

Range shifts have been documented in many organisms, and climate change has been implicated as a contributing driver of latitudinal and altitudinal range modifications.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Faster poleward range shifts in moths with more variable colour patterns : Scientific Reports

The website Fungi of Great Britain and Ireland has produced an identification guide of Fungi which you may be able to see in December.

Click on the link for more information: The Lost & Found Fungi project: Species potentially fruiting this month | Fungi of Great Britain and Ireland

A selection of images which document a family common weasels throughout the seasons scoops the top prize this year

Source: The British Wildlife Photography awards 2016 winners – in pictures | Environment | The Guardian

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

Location: Cruck Barn, City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes
Postcode: MK13 9AP (Google map)
Unknown to Western Science until C15th, penguins were first labelled “strange gooses”. There are 18 species of this popular bird – from the metre tall Emperor to the tiny Fairy. They are all superbly adapted for marine life and Mike has worked with them in habitats from the Galapagos to the Antarctic mainland.

Time: Doors open 7.15 pm for a prompt 7.45 pm start
Price: Group members £2.50, Non-Group members £3.50, Children £1

See the RSPB North Bucks Local Group website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Dr Daniel Cox. a Research Fellow at the Environment and Sustainability Institute of the University of Exeter, has produces a scientific paper entitled “Movement of feeder-using songbirds – the influence of urban features”

The research for the paper  was carried out in Great Linford with the assistance of Martin Kincaid and Parks Trust volunteers.

Click on this link to download the report (pdf).

The Spring 2017 indoor programme of the Milton Keynes Natural History Society has  been published.

Click on this link for more information.

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip:

Location: Map ref SP 776 596, on S edge of Northampton. The car park is next to the Holiday Inn, on N side of A428 Bedford Rd, 0.3km E of the big roundabout junction with the A45.
Another new venue for the group and part of the Nene Valley Special Protection Area. Dress warmly for this exposed site.

Time: 10.00 am
Price: Free

See the RSPB North Bucks Local Group website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

BIRDS

Chiffchaff calling at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (27th)
Small group of Siskins near St.Giles Church, Tattenhoe (28th)

MAMMALS

Muntjac buck and doe in Howe Park Wood (28th)

INSECTS

Lepidoptera

Comma butterfly basking by Howe Park Wood (25th)
Red Admiral basking in Tattenhoe Linear Park (28th)

(All sightings by Harry Appleyard)

Conservation programme sees numbers of the endangered cirl bunting reach 1,078 pairs – up from just 118 in 1989

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: British farmland bird bounces back from brink of extinction | Environment | The Guardian

Unexpected move reverses a trend that has seen increasing numbers of large carnivores shot by hunters each year since Romania’s accession to the European Union

Source: Romania bans trophy hunting of brown bears, wolves, lynx and wild cats | Environment | The Guardian

Scientists reveal how a particular species of Amazonian frog is able to hide in plain sight through a very unusual form of camouflage.

Source: Amazonian frog produces its own ant repellent | Discover Wildlife

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have produced a video to help you identify diving ducks:

Dabbling ducks are so familiar, but there is also a group of common ducks that actively dive on freshwater for food. One or other is likely to be encountered on still or moving freshwater or even at sea so let this workshop help you to decide which diving duck you are seeing.

Click on the play button to watch the video

Discover fascinating facts about the often overlooked land caddis.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: 7 land caddis facts you need to know | Discover Wildlife

A handful of the vibrant, diverse species whose continued survival is threatened by the loss of forest habitats [PHOTO FEATURE].

Source: 7 stunning forest birds we could soon lose forever | BirdLife

Tree Bumblebee at Howe Park Wood by Harry Appleyard 3Feb16

The South Beds branch of the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire are hosting a talk on Bumblebees on 30 November 2016.

Click on the link more information.

Humans and chimpanzees are not the only primates to use tools. South American capuchin monkeys have developed a sophisticated system for cracking nuts, and new research shows that they’ve been at it for hundreds, if not thousands of years – and suggests they might even have taught humans a trick or two.

Source: Early humans may have learnt something from capuchin monkeys | Discover Wildlife

BIRDS

2 Scaup, 1 Great White Egret and 1 Woodcock – Linford Lakes N.R. (20^th)
Red Crested Pochard – pair still present at South Willen (19^th)
15 Common Snipe outside bird hide – North Willen (19^th)
7 Goosander reported from Emberton Country Park (Bucks Bird Club – 17^th)
1 Goosander at Caldecotte Lake (18^th)
Red Kites circling over Tattenhoe, Emerson Valley and West Bletchley (HA)
Common Snipe, Tattenhoe Park (20th) (HA)

MAMMALS 

Daubenton’s bats still present at Pineham roost (18^th)
Brown Long-eared Bats roosting at Manor Farm, Old Wolverton (18^th)
Dog Otter seen from near hide at Linford Lakes N.R. (Keith Gander – 20^th)
Fox & Scat of Mink LLNR (20th) (Peter Hassett)

LISSAMPHIBIA

20+ Great Crested Newts and 6 Smooth Newts found hibernating at Elfield Park (17^th)

INSECTS

Odonata
Female Common Darter near St.Giles Church, Tattenhoe (16th) (HA)

FUNGI

Purple Jelly Disc  Ascocoryne scarcoides found on dead wood in Howe Park Wood (18^th Nov, )

(All sightings by Martin Kincaid except as otherwiuse noted. HA = Harry Appleyard)

Red Admiral by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 22nd September 2016

dispar was started in October 2014 as a spin-off from the UK Butterflies website. With an ever-growing membership contributing a large number of posts on the UK Butterflies forums, the time came for a new vehicle to be put in place that would allow significant contributions to be shared more widely. This includes formal cataloging of articles so that they may be located by anyone looking to research a particular aspect of Lepidoptera.

You can read the latest version of their magazine, Notes and Views Issue 7, by clicking this link.

New research at Lund University in Sweden shows that the flight speed of birds is determined by a variety of factors. Among the most sensational is that the size of the flock has a significant impact on how fast the birds can fly. The larger the flock, the higher the speed.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Birds fly faster in large flocks. #ornithology

A new species of dragonfly with a bluish waxy body coating has been described by Brazilian researchers, that are investigating whether the wax serves as a kind of sunscreen to protect the male’s body from solar radiation since the insect is exposed to sunlight for many hours every day.

Click on this link to read the article: Researchers identify new species of dragonfly in Brazil | EurekAlert! Science News

dispar, the Online Journal of Lepidoptera have produced a report A Study of the Life Cycle of the Chequered Skipper Butterfly Carterocephalus palaemon (Pallas)

Of all of the butterflies found in the British Isles, the complete life cycle of the Chequered Skipper is one of the most rarely observed, for several reasons. The first is that the distribution of the butterfly is restricted to north west Scotland where the level of recording is relatively low. The second is that, while many enthusiasts have made pilgrimages to see the adult butterfly, very few have put the same effort into locating the immature stages. Finally, the ecology of the butterfly requires the observer to put in a significant amount of time before they are rewarded with views of all stages. In this article, the author summarises his observations over a three year period, from 2014 to 2016.

Click on this link to read the rest of the article.

The value of floodplain meadows was well understood in mediaeval times, when the Domesday Book recorded them as 10 times more valuable than arable land because without them people could not keep their

Source: Floodplain Meadows: combining beauty with utility | Creating a better place

They also live in herds and perform feats of engineering that have baffled scientists for decades

Source: BBC – Earth – Earthworms have epic sex and grow to huge sizes

Red-Tailed Bumblebee by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe 11 April 2016

Species that feed most on the bright yellow flowers of the crop treated with controversial neonicotinoids have fallen by as much as 30%

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: High pesticide levels on oilseed rape crops harm wild bees, scientists prove | Environment | The Guardian

Bee by Paul Lund. Taken in Paul’s garden using two flash guns to freeze motion.

Honey bee colonies in the United States have been dying at high rates for over a decade, and agricultural pesticides — including fungicides, herbicides and insecticides — are often implicated as major culprits. Until now, most scientific studies have looked at pesticides one at a time, rather than investigating the effects of multiple real-world pesticide exposures within a colony.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: High number of pesticides within colonies linked to honey bee deaths: Some compounds commonly regarded as ‘bee-safe’ could be a major contributor to honey bee colony losses in North America — ScienceDaily

Barn Owl Ecology and Conservation – A Presentation by Paddy Jackson at Linford Lakes NR on Wednesday 23rd November 2016 at 19:30.

Paddy has monitored the owls at Linford Lakes for some years.

He will tell us more about these beautiful birds.

There will be an opportunity to ask Paddy questions about owls.

£2:00 for adults.

Refreshments and home-made cakes available.

BIRDS

11 Lapwings over Tattenhoe Park (11th)
3 Ravens over Tattenhoe Park (13th)

Ravens Corvus corax by Harry Appleyard Tattenhoe Park 13th November 2016

 
Blackbird singing near Howe Park Wood (13th)
Tawny Owl hooting in Howe Park Wood (14th)
3 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 5 Common Snipe and 1 Water Rail at North Willen Lake (11^th – MK)
2 juvenile VELVET SCOTERS still present at South Willen Lake (13^th) and Common Scoter female on 12^th.
2 Stonechat at Floodplain Forest NR (12^th – MK)
1 Ring-necked Parakeet over Walton Lake (11^th – MK)

MAMMALS

Brown Hares, Chinese Water Deer and 1 Muntjac at Magna Park (13^th – MK/Harry Appleyard)
Weasel at Linford Lakes NR (10^th – MK)
Roe Deer at Elfield Park (9^th – MK)

LISSAMPHIBIA

Common Toad, Tattenhoe Park (14th)

INSECTS

Odonata

Common Darters active around Howe Park Wood and Tattenhoe Park (11th and 13th)

Lepidoptera

Red Admiral basking in Kingsmead Wood (11th)

Hemiptera Heteroptera Pentatomidae 

1 Common Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina and 1 Spiked Shield Bug  Picromerus bidens , Tattenhoe (11th)

Common Green Shield Bug Palomena prasina by Harry Appleyard Tattenhoe 11th November 2016

(MK= Martin Kincaid, all other sightings by Harry Appleyard)

Have you noticed whitish patches on the leaves of horse chestnut trees?  By the middle of summer, the whitish patches die and turn brown.  Sometimes whole trees turn brown, and it looks like autumn has come early.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Home | Conker Tree Science

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip:

Location: Map ref SP 385 759. The car park is off Brandon Lane, between Brandon village and the A45, just south of Coventry.
Postcode: CV3 3GW (Google map)
A walk around this picturesque reserve, led by Brian Lloyd. A variety of habitats at these mature gravel pits and wet woodland, good for Kingfisher, waders and winter finches. There is an excellent café for refreshments.

Time: 10.00 am
Price: Small entry fee, but wildlife trust members are usually free.

See the RSPB North Bucks Local Group website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 20 November 2016 10:00- 16:00

Come and Join Andy Harding, County Recorder, for his monthly duck count. Andy is always willing to pass on help and advise on bird identification and how to count large numbers of birds at one time.

Later in the day Martin Kincaid, (Parks Trust) will lead a walk around the site including parts not normally accessible.

There is open access to hides and centre. Facilities available. Hot and cold drinks, home-made cakes. Second hand book sales, crafts and bird food on sale.
Come and see our winter visitors. View from the comfort of our hides and viewing gallery.

Please bring your friends and family, all welcome.

Glyphosate could be banned by the end of 2017 according to Merja Kyllonen, one of the MEPs responsible for steering its re-authorisation through the European Parliament.

Source: Glyphosate ‘expected’ to be banned in 2017 – News – FG Insight

The Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve are looking for extra help with activities and events:

We need many hands to help with the extra work on Work Sundays at this time of year. We also need helpers on our Open Sundays.
We are getting large numbers of visitors on these days who need information
and directions. With more help we could have more activities, especially for families.

If you would like more information please speak to one of the committee at any of our events or email us at friendsofhesc@gmail.com

Painted Lady by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 9 August 2016

The painted lady, Vanessa cardui , is a migratory butterfly that performs an annual multi-generational migration between Europe and North Africa. Its seasonal appearance south of the Sahara in autumn is well known and has led to the suggestion that it results from extremely long migratory flights by European butterflies to seasonally exploit the Sahel and the tropical savannah. However, this possibility has remained unproven. Here, we analyse the isotopic composition of butterflies from seven European and seven African countries to provide new support for this hypothesis. Each individual was assigned a geographical natal origin, based on its wing stable hydrogen isotope (δ2Hw) value and a predicted δ2Hw basemap for Europe and northern Africa. Natal assignments of autumn migrants collected south of the Sahara confirmed long-distance movements (of 4000 km or more) starting in Europe. Samples from Maghreb revealed a mixed origin of migrants, with most individuals with a European origin, but others having originated in the Sahel. Therefore, autumn movements are not only directed to northwestern Africa, but also include southward and northward flights across the Sahara. Through this remarkable behaviour, the productive but highly seasonal region south of the Sahara is incorporated into the migratory circuit of V. cardui .

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Long-distance autumn migration across the Sahara by painted lady butterflies: exploiting resource pulses in the tropical savannah | Biology Letters

RSPBNBLG Talk –
The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a General Knowledge Fun Quiz Night

Location: Wicken Sports Club, Wicken, Milton Keynes
Postcode: MK19 6BU (Google map)
The quiz is based on general knowledge – for teams of up to six. Individuals welcome to come and make up a team with others. £4 per person. Fun “Spot Round” and Raffle.
Wicken Sports Club will offer refreshments : tea, coffee and a bar.
Advance bookings by Friday 11 November 2016 please to Ann Davies
e-mail: annrspbnbucks@hotmail.co.uk

Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start
Price: £4 per person

See their website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Studies suggest that regenerating soil by turning our backs on industrial farming holds the key to tackling climate change

Source: Our best shot at cooling the planet might be right under our feet | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian

Velvet Scoter by Jim Rose, Willen Lake 7 November 2016

Two ducks more at home on the high seas have dropped in to South Willen Lake for the past few days.

The two juvenile Velvet Scoters, a rare species of sea duck, have been wowing birders since they were discovered on the morning of 7^th November 2016 by former MKNHS member Paul Moon. This is the third time this species has been found at Willen down the years and only the tenth time ever for Buckinghamshire although, amazingly, a third scoter turned up at Dorney Lake, South Bucks on 8^th November 2016.

Scoters are dark, almost jet black in colour but the Velvet Scoter has an attractive white patch around its eye and also a white wing patch, which is very evident when it flies or preens on the water. They are diving ducks, feeding on mussels, snails and other freshwater molluscs and invertebrates. The species does not breed in the UK, being native to Russia and north-east Europe, but each winter up to 30,000 winter around the east and south coasts of Britain. Few ever stray so far inland however.

The two birds, both  thought to be young males (although the jury is still out), are frequenting the southern end of Willen Lake and can be seen from in front of the Lakeside Hotel and LA Fitness gym. They are generally to be found some way out from shore between the orange buoys and solar panels. Scan the flock of coots with binoculars and you should be able to pick out these unusual and very smart visitors.

Article kindly provided by Martin Kincaid.

You can see more photos and a video of the Velvet Scoters on Jim Rose’s blog

Grey Heron by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Linear Park 4 September 2016

An online tetrad atlas has been produced of the birds of the Thames and Chiltern area

Click this link to access the Atlas: Thames and Chiltern Bird Atlas – Home

BIRDS

Red Kites over Bletchley and the North Bucks Way
Marsh Tit, Howe Park Wood (8th)
Grey Heron eating common frog, Howe Park Wood (7th)
3 Pintail (2 m, 2 f) and  male Red Crested Pochard at North Willen Lake (6th). Also, Short-eared Owl reported from here by several people. (MK)
2 Common Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Red Kite and Sparrow-hawk at Floodplain Forest (7th)  (MK)
2 VELVET SCOTERS on Willen South Lake, in front of the Lakeside Hotel (7th November).(MK)

MAMMALS

Bank Vole, Howe Park Wood (7th)

INSECTS

Speckled Wood butterfly, Tattenhoe (3rd)
Male Common Darter, Tattenhoe (3rd)

(MK= Martin Kincaid, all other sightings by Harry Appleyard)

If you only see one astronomical event this year, make it the November supermoon, when the Moon will be the closest to Earth it’s been since January 1948.

During the event, which will happen on the eve of November 14, the Moon will appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. This is the closest the Moon will get to Earth until 25 November 2034, so you really don’t want to miss this one.

So how do you get a supermoon?

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: We’re about to see a record-breaking supermoon – the biggest in nearly 70 years – ScienceAlert

Red Admiral by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 22nd September 2016

A huge drop in the number of butterflies in the UK is causing confusion among wildlife experts.

Source: Butterfly numbers drop a mystery, say experts – BBC News

We’ve always known the universe was a big place, but our estimates keep getting revised upwards, adding more and more zeroes as we go along. The latest jump, based on 3D modeling of images collected over 20 years through the Hubble Space Telescope, reckons there are ten to 20 times more galaxies than previously thought. That’s somewhere between one and two trillion, for those struggling to keep count.

Source: There are even more galaxies in the universe than we thought | Alphr

Red-Tailed Bumblebee by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe 11 April 2016

Natural England have published a report “Investigation of the impact of
changes in pesticide use on invertebrate populations ”

Click this link to download the report (pdf)

Experienced a ladybird invasion in your home recently? Insect expert Richard Jones reveals why this distinctive beetle can be found indoors at the end of October.

Source: Ladybirds on the landing – why are they coming indoors? | Countryfile.com

House Spider by Peter Hassett, Preston Montford 25 September 2016

Some dress up as ladybirds, others change colour like chameleons, but our sexy spiders also have a dark side

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: BBC – Earth – Dark secrets of Britain’s sexiest spiders

The avian bill is a textbook example of how evolution shapes morphology in response to changing environments. Bills of seed-specialist finches in particular have been the focus of intense study demonstrating how climatic fluctuations acting on food availability drive bill size and shape. The avian bill also plays an important but under-appreciated role in body temperature regulation, and therefore in energetics.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: The evolution of the avian bill as a thermoregulatory organ – Tattersall – 2016 – Biological Reviews – Wiley Online Library

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

Location: Cruck Barn, City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes
Postcode: MK13 9AP (Google map)
Respected wildlife photographer, Richard will show us some of his recent projects, including work on “Wild Orchids of Bedfordshire”, butterflies, wasps and hawk moths and some wonderful action shots of brown hares … and a quick visit to Ascension Island too!

Time: Doors open 7.15 pm for a prompt 7.45 pm start
Price: Group members £2.50, Non-Group members £3.50, Children £1

See their website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

A technology that has traditionally been used by the emergency services, thermal imaging, is now being employed to help the UK’s ever-plummeting bat population.

Source: Earthquake emergency equipment used to help Britain’s bats | Discover Wildlife

View our interactive Starling Murmuration map of the UK. Between October and November, it is possible to view one of nature’s most dazzling displays of avian behaviour, the murmuration. This phenomenal acrobatic display is a maelstrom of swooping and diving that is breathtaking to witness. There are many thoughts as to why Starlings group together like this; the main ones include staying warm, safety and simply just to exchange information.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Starling Murmuration Map

BIRDS

Large groups of Fieldfares and Redwings around Tattenhoe
Large groups of Lesser Redpolls and Siskins over Rushmere Country Park (29th)
Jack Snipe reported from North Willen Lake (29^th)
Female Scaup at Floodplain Forest (27^th)
2 Bramblings among chaffinch flock at Bow Brickhill (29^th – MK)
Pintail – drake at Stony Stratford Reserve (31^st – MK)
Little grebe, kingfisher and Cetti’s warbler at Emberton Park last Monday 24th October  (Julie Lane)

MAMMALS

Harvest Mouse brought in dead by cat in Stony Stratford recently. Now at taxidermist!
Otter seen at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (25^th – MK)
Noctule Bat seen at 4pm over Howe Park Wood (31^st – Harry Appleyard)

LEPIDOSAURIA

Baby grass snake at Rushmere country park last Sunday 25th October (Julie Lane)

INSECTS

Hymenoptera
Buff-tailed and White-tailed bumblebee queens at LLNR (31^st – MK)

Lepidoptera
Brimstone butterfly – female flying at LLNR (31^st – MK)

Odonata
Male Southern Hawker, Rushmere Country Park (29th)
Common Darter dragonflies mating at Stony Stratford Reserve (30^th – MK)

FUNGI

Funeral Bell Galerina marginata, Black Bulgar Bulgaria inquinans and Clitocybe geotropa among species found at Linford Wood (30^th – Bucks Fungus Group – see separate News Item)
Common Parasol mushrooms Macrolepiota procera at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve (31^st – MK)

(MK = Martin Kincaid, all other sightings by Harry appleyard unless indicated otherwise)

Slime mould, Physarum nutans by Peter Hassett, Linford Wood, 30 October 2016

On a nice sunny autumn morning 15 members of the Milton Keynes Natural History Society and the Buckinghamshire Fungus group met for a joint walk looking for fungus in this ancient wood.

Click this link to read the trip report.

Click on this link to download the species list

Fox by Harry Appleyard, Tattenhoe Park 24th September 2016

Linford Lakes NR are forming a dedicated mammal group and need your help:

The group would help survey mammals at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.

The Bio blitz last summer produced evidence of a diverse group of mammals on site.

Martin Kincaid is forming the monitoring group, some training is available.

If you are prepared to offer one session a month Martin would like to hear from you.

Please contact him at m.kincaid@theparkstrust.com.

Our study on the Silver Y moth debunks the idea that all insects migrate haphazardly.Historically, biologists believed that migrating insects throw caution to the wind–quite literally–letting un

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Rothamsted Research | where knowledge grows

Work Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 6 November 2016 10:00-13:00hrs.

Willing hands will be made welcome today.

There are lots of jobs around the reserve in the winter.

Cutting back overgrowth, trimming hedges, clearing paths.

It’s a great way to see parts of the reserve that normally has restricted access.

It’s a great way to keep warm and fit and meet like-minded people.

Refreshments available.

London Zoo is best known for its exotic creatures great and small and the programmes it runs to conserve them in the wild – but now it’s fighting to save a tiny population of Britain’s best-loved mammal.

Source: HS2 threat to London’s last hedgehogs | Discover Wildlife

Discover 6 fascinating facts about the BTO August Bird of the Month: Kingfisher

Source: 7 bearded tit facts you need to know | Discover Wildlife

Common Toad by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood 23 March 2016

A citizen-science study has found that one of Britain’s best-loved amphibians — the common toad — may soon be a rare sight.

Source: Toads are declining at an alarming rate in the UK | Discover Wildlife

Silver-Washed Fritillary by Harry Appleyard, North Bucks Way 13 July 2016

One of the UK’s largest recycling and renewable energy companies, Viridor, is collaborating with international conservation organisation Plantlife, to help save endangered UK wild flowers.

The Natural Capital pilot project, launched during #GlobalGoals Week, aims to increase the populations of meadow clary, a rare flower which needs help to prevent it disappearing, as its natural ecosystem has been lost. The flower species is now found as a native population at twenty-one locations in the UK.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Viridor launches project to help save endangered wild flowers | News and press | About us

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip:

Location: Map ref SP 570 126, near Beckley, Oxon. Meet in the car park at the N end of the single-track Otmoor Lane.
A winter visit to our nearest RSPB site, led by Brian Lloyd. Our group financially supports this reserve, so we visit every year to see how it is developing. No facilities but there is a good pub in the village for refreshments or lunch afterwards.

Time: 10.00 am
Price: Free

See their website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

BIRDS

Short-eared Owl, Tattenhoe (19th)
Redwings and Fieldfares passing through Tattenhoe
Red Kites circling over Tattenhoe
Female Stonechat, Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve (24th)

INSECTS

Lepidoptera

Red Admirals, Tattenhoe

Odonata

Female Migrant Hawker, Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve (24th)

(All sightings by Harry Appleyard)

Some species of seabirds plunge-dive at speeds greater than 50 miles per hour to surprise their prey. In the first study on the biomechanics of this diving behavior, researchers show how the birds pull of this feat safely.

Source: How do birds dive safely at high speeds? New research explains | EurekAlert! Science News

Willen Lake by Ann Strutton

The Buckinghamshire Bird Club are leading a walk at Willen Lake on 30 October 2016 at 9:30.

You can find details of the walk on the Buckinghamshire Bird Club website.

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

The State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report is the definitive assessment of how hedgehogs populations are fairing in Britain, across rural and urban areas.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2015 – Peoples Trust for Endangered SpeciesPeoples Trust for Endangered Species

This blog first appeared as an article in Shooting Times and Country magazine. It has been amended to provide more web links. There’s a big difference between the number of Common Snipe and Jack Sn…

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Snipe & Jack Snipe in the United Kingdom | wadertales

Eyelash Fungus by Peter Garner. Wicken Wood, 5 July 2016

A joint walk of the Buckinghamshire Fungus Group and Milton Keynes Natural History Society.

Linford Wood and its small adjacent neighbour, Stanton Wood, is ancient woodland largely felled and replanted with oak and ash around the war, but also with an interesting mixed coniferous / broadleaved compartment.

Meet at 10.00 am at SP 845 403 in the car park behind the BP garage, in Enfield Chase off Saxon St, Milton Keynes. Leaders: Derek Schafer and/or Penny Cullington with Justin Long.

A ladybug prepares and takes off for flying away. The sequence was recorded by cameraman Rainer Bergomaz from Blue Paw Artists with a pco.dimax HD at 3000 frames/s and 1296 x 720 pixel resolution. The first part is displayed at 250 frames/s and when the ladybug starts to unfold its wings the display speed is reduced to 25 frames/s.

Click here to watch the video

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group leading a field trip:

Away from the ever popular coast, Norfolk has some great wildlife-watching opportunities and landscapes. Especially during the summer, a wealth of species can be found – from the Fens and the Brecks to The Broads.

See their website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Documentary examining the longest butterfly migration on earth.

This programme (90 minutes) is available on the iPlayer until 11 November 2016: BBC iPlayer – The Great Butterfly Adventure: Africa to Britain with the Painted Lady

This link will take you to British Bugs:

superb illustrations have been produced by Ashley Wood, and allow easy comparison between the life stages of a range of UK shieldbug species. They are particularly useful for identifying nymphs, and the various instars are depicted as far as possible. Each plate is linked to the relevant species account, which provides further information.

MAMMALS

1 Common Pipistrelle (male) found using bat box, Linford Lakes N.R. (17^th)

Pipistrelle Bat Linford Lakes NR 17th October 2016 Martin Kincaid

3 Bank Voles in woodpile outside Woodland Hide (17^th)

1 Muntjac deer seen from Woodland Hide (17^th)

BIRDS

Little Owls calling at Floodplain Forest (13^th) Also several Common Snipe

Great White Egret and 4 Stonechats reported from Linford Lakes (14^th)

Peregrine pair seen at Stadium:MK (13^th)

Small groups of Redwings, Tattenhoe

Lesser Redpolls and Siskins passing over Tattenhoe Park

Red Kites circling regularly over Tattenhoe
INSECTS
Lepidoptera

Red Admirals around Howe Park Wood
1 Small Copper, 1 Small White and 1 Comma in Tattenhoe Park (14th)

Small White Tattenhoe Park Harry Appleyard 14th October 2016

Odonata

Male Southern Hawker, Tattenhoe Park (14th)

Large numbers of Common Darters still present around Tattenhoe
At least 2 Willow Emerald Damselflies in Tattenhoe Valley Park (14th)

Willow Emerald Damselfly egg galls Tattenhoe 17th October 2016 Harry Appleyard

All sightings by Martin Kincaid and Harry Appleyard

Common Frogs by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood 01 March 2016

Suburban homeowners stocking their garden ponds with frogs, fish or spawn from other ponds or aquatic centres are helping the ranavirus move around

Source: Gardeners may be spreading lethal frog disease throughout UK, study warns | Environment | The Guardian

Every day millions of internet users ask Google life’s most difficult questions, big and small. Our writers answer some of the commonest queries

Source: Why have hedgehogs declined? You asked Google – here’s the answer | Hugh Warwick | Opinion | The Guardian

A new report from Rewilding Britain highlights the positive impact which rewilding the UK’s landscapes can have upon flood risk. The report comes as MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee consult on better ways to manage the UK’s environment post-Brexit, with many calling for an approach which places nature centre stage.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Reduce flood-risk through rewilding, says new report from Rewilding Britain – The Ecologist

For decades the New Caledonian crow has taken the crown of top corvid tool-user. Now experiments on the rare Hawaiian crow, or Alala, suggest that they too could be natural tool-users.

Click on the play button to watch the video

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip:

A walk around this reserve run by the BBOWT, led by Pete How. This flooded former chalk quarry near Tring offers a nice circular walk from the visitors’ centre, around the lake and back to the café for refreshments. We always see an interesting selection of birds here.

See their website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Bee by Paul Lund. Taken in Paul’s garden using two flash guns to freeze motion.

Bayer and Syngenta criticised for secrecy after unpublished research obtained under freedom of information law linked high doses of their products to damage to the health of bee colonies

Source: Pesticide manufacturers’ own tests reveal serious harm to honeybees | Environment | The Guardian

The mystery of the lifespan of Greenland sharks has finally been unveiled thanks to new research.

Source: Greenland sharks live for centuries | Discover Wildlife

The Aurora Borealis like you’ve never seen it before.

Source: Stunning Northern Lights Filmed by Drone | Nature TTL

The RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

Just two days before our first field trip of the season to our local BBOWT flagship Reserve, Leo will give us an insight into how this landscape is being developed to continuously improve habitats for birds and other wildlife – and what we might expect to see on our visit.

See their website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

The Bedfordshire Natural History Society have organised a talk “Surviving Antarctic Extremes”
on Tuesday 18th October 2016, 8pm at Maulden Village Hall TL048380, MK45 2DP

BNHS talk “Surviving Antarctic Extremes”

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Daubenton’s bat by Chris Damant

The South Beds Local Branch of the Bedfordshire, Cambridge and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trusts are hosting a talk on Wednesday 19 October 2016.

Click this link for more details.

BIRDS

Red Kites over Newton Longville, West Bletchley and Tattenhoe

Small groups of Redwings moving through Tattenhoe

Redwing Tattenhoe Harry Appleyard 7th October 2016

First Winter Continental Blackbirds, Tattenhoe linear park

Mistle Thrush feeding on common yew, St.Giles Churchyard, Tattenhoe (10th)

Lesser Redpolls calling in flight above Tattenhoe Park (10th)

Common Snipe, Tattenhoe Park

LEPIDOSAURIA 

1 Adder and 8 Common Lizards at Rammamere Heath (9^th – MK/Di Parsons/Carol Watts)

LISSAMPHIBIA

Common Toads in Tattenhoe Park

INSECTS

Lepidoptera

Brimstone butterfly, Tattenhoe Park (4th)

Large White, Tattenhoe Park (9th)

Speckled Woods and Red Admirals, Tattenhoe

Convuvulous Hawk Moth at garden trap – Newport Pagnell (4^th – Gordon Redford)

Orthoptera

Oak Bush Crickets coming to lights at Campbell Park Pavilion (7^th – MK)

Odonata

Female Southern Hawker, Howe Park Wood (8th)

Large numbers of Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters around Tattenhoe

Male Migrant Hawker Tattenhoe Park Harry Appleyard 9th Oct 2016

CRUSTACEA

Large Signal Crayfish in ponds at Howe Park Wood (7^th – MK)

FUNGI

Common Deceiver, Amethyst Deceiver, Common Earth-ball, Brown Roll Rim, Jelly Ear, Shaggy Parasol found on Parks Trust foray – Hazeley Wood (8^th Oct) MK

Fly Agaric, Amethyst Deceiver, Russula spp., Brown Birch Bolete – Rammamere Heath (9^th)  MK

All sightings not attributed to anyone else by Harry Appleyard, MK = Martin Kincaid

The Cranfield Astronomy Society course starts on 18 October 2016  with that meeting’s topics being:-

Practical astronomy
Preparation, equipment, constellations, apparent magnitude and finding objects.
Stellarium. (Free download, planetarium software)
Demonstration 1; astronomical binoculars

The meetings are held in the CSA Lounge (on the first floor of the CSA building, grid ref SP94034242) starting at 7.30pm.

The programme is still being worked on but should appear on the Society’s webpage after the AGM which is next Tuesday

There will be an Open Evening before the course starts if anyone wants to come on a fact finding mission.
It will be on 11th October at the Observatory in Duncan Road on the University campus (SP94344291) from 7.30pn onwards.
Warm clothing is recommended.

Non-University members are very welcome. Cost of annual membership including the course is £17.

The FutureLearn free on-line courses

The complete list can be viewed at www.futurelearn.com

The link to the Moons of the Solar System course is www.futurelearn.com/courses/moons which will start on 31st October.

The more general astronomy course which uses Orion as an example is www.futurelearn.com/courses/orion the start date has yet to be announced.

Both of these courses have been put together by the Open University.

Annual Big Butterfly Count records lowest ever number of usually prolific species despite the relatively warm, dry summer

Source: Record low number of British butterflies a ‘shock and a mystery’ | Environment | The Guardian

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured something amazing.

Source: Hubble Telescope Captures Incredible Photos of Auroras the Size of Earth on Jupiter | Nature TTL

16th October, 10:00- 16:00hrs
Friends and Family welcome.
Featuring Rick Simpson of Wader Quest.
Rick has a vast collection of second hand
books for sale, for one day only.
Also craft’s and bird food on sale
Refreshments and home-made cakes available.

Use this link for more information about the reserve.

360 degree video lets you fly with an eagle in North America.

Source: Hitch a Ride with a Golden Eagle In This 360° Video | Nature TTL

A black dormouse has been recorded for the first time in Britain in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Devon/Somerset border.

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: Black dormouse recorded for the first time in Britain | Countryfile.com

Comma by Harry Appleyard, Howe Park Wood 20th September 2016

While the long-term trends of butterflies and moths tend to result from human activities such as habitat destruction and climate change, short-term changes, from year to year, butterfly generation to generation, are typically caused by natural factors such as the weather and populations of parasites. So, in cold, wet summers, such as in 2012, butterfly populations often crash, while in good summers, such as 2013, they bounce back.

The results of big butterfly count 2016, however, don’t fit this pattern. It was a pretty good summer, with above average temperatures and yet butterflies on the whole fared badly.

The average number of individual insects of the 20 target species seen per 15 minute count during big butterfly count 2016 was the lowest recorded since the project began in 2010! A mere 12.2 individuals per count were recorded, down from 13.4 per count in 2015, 14.7 in 2014 and a whooping 23 per count in 2013.

Despite the general scarcity of butterflies during the 2016 big butterfly count, huge number of people turned out, once again, to help with the world’s largest count of butterflies. Altogether, 38,233 counts were submitted, from the Isle of Sheppey to the Isle of Skye and all across the UK, by over 36,400 participants – a fantastic effort!

Click on the link to read the rest of the article: big butterfly count

Despite the majority of UK butterfly species declining dramatically over the last few decades, the speckled wood has absolutely thrived.

Source: Speckled wood success story | Discover Wildlife

Documentary examining the longest butterfly migration on earth.

Source: BBC Four – The Great Butterfly Adventure: Africa to Britain with the Painted Lady

Even birds sing better after vocal warm-up, and an evolutionary arms race among rivals might have led to the intensity of the dawn chorus.

Source: Warm-up benefit could explain morning birdsong | Science News

Wednesday 12th October.
Doors open 19:15 for 19:30hrs start.
At Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.

Would you like to get down and get dirty with some fungi?
Come and meet Justin Long, MK’s Fungi man.

Justin will bring along some samples with him,
He would like you to bring some of your own mushrooms along.
Please dig up as much of the fungi as possible.
As in picture below.

It’s quite safe to pick fungi, just wash your hands after touching them.

Justin will tell us more about these complex bodies,
and help to identify the ones on show.
£2:00 for Adults.
Under 14’s welcome when accompanied by an adult.